Day 134

What a long day, but a good one. Penelope and I woke up to Daddy's kisses, he's home! :) We went on a bike ride to get sushi for lunch (Mama ate teriyaki chicken-- yuck to sushi!), and then to Rite Aid for some ice cream before we begin our diet tomorrow. Daddy fixed up the tandem bike, hooked it up so that Penelope's trailer fastens onto it and we had fun riding it! I'll admit, it's a little scary, but Daddy's a good driver, so we're always okay. Later, we took our evening walk to Fairview Park to check out the Fish Fry.... So far only the rides are up. No fun fair snacks for Mama's last day of fun pregnant lady eating. :'(

We lost one of our sweet chickens today- Katrina. Daddy was sad, but he buried her outside next to our deck. She was a good chicken, and we'll miss her. 

P cried for so long tonight before bed... It hurts me so much to hear! But she's finally peacefully asleep, thank goodness. Let's hope for better tomorrow. Goodnight.

Day 133

Today we got an early start since we were having a shower door installed in the master bathroom. Penelope and I were up, dressed and had breakfast by 8:30, which is a record for us! :) The door is beautiful, and I'm so happy with how finished it makes the bathroom look! Daddy hasn't seen it yet, so he'll be surprised tomorrow morning. :)  Penelope and Mana had their weekly walk, and baby girl loved it, just like she always does. 

Mama ha a bath while P napped, and of course she wakes up right in the middle! :)  Never fails. 

Tonight our baby only cried for 9 minutes-- it's been a week, so I hope she's finally learning, and not that she was just super tired! We'll see... In any case, she had a good night so far, and I'll take it. 

That's it for tonight... Here's a couple pics that Mana took of me bathing P after their walk.  Goodnight! :)

(Daddy's home tomorrow-- and we are going to the beach & then the Fish Fry for dinner, we can't wait!)

Day 132

Today Penelope and I said goodbye to my Mama & Daddy-- they are moving back to Muskegon, Michigan, my hometown. I'm torn: happy for them that they get to relax finally, both retired and with friends and family.... But also VERY sad that my Mommy & Daddy are gone! We have decided that we'll Skype, talk on the phone plenty, and visit to keep in close touch. Penelope needs to remember Granny & Papa! 

P had another fun, but long day, and come 7:30, she was ready for beddie! She cried on and off for 30 or 35 minutes. She'd cry a minute and then stop for five, and so on. I just hope she's learning to self soothe. We'll see what comes of bedtime once she's teething.... Yiiiiikes! 

That's all for today. Here's a pic of our baby on her Daddy's old lazy boy recliner! It's been passed along again-- fair well good friend! Night ;)

(We can't wait to see Daddy on Friday!!! His three-day shifts seem like three WEEKS! Come home soon, Papa!)

Day 131

Well, Penelope is down for the night. I am making her new bedtime 7:30, firm! She went to bed at that time last night and slept till 2:30, ate, went right back down and then slept until 7:30 am. I woke up feeling rested, and I love that for ALL of us! She also napped real well this morning, not sure if that had anything to do with it. I'm listening to her cry as I type this, and its still very hard for me. I just hope it gets better soon. :/

Daddy is at work until Friday, and we miss him a lot. We get used to him being home for a few days, then he has to leave. But, we are okay and are so thankful he works so hard for us! 

(19 minutes.... She isn't crying... Fingers crossed!)

Here are a few pics of P getting cranky on her play area before I brought her into our bed to unwind -- goodnight!

Day 130

Today we had another busy day. Tom helped his mom shop for a new car -- she got a really pretty red one! And Penelope and I got ready for my parents to come over for a BBQ lunch. We grilled chicken, and had a fun time. By 5:30, we were all pooped, and at 8:30 we're all in bed, P asleep. We have had such a busy week, I hope we can just relax for a few days together soon. 

P cried for 34 minutes tonight... A step back, in my opinion. I really don't like letting her cry for so long. But, she is learning, I guess.... 

Here's a pic from today... 'Night!

Day 129

Today, Penelope and I went into LA again-- we met Mom, Dad, Anita & Matt for brunch at Rick Bayless' new restaurant, Red O. Everything was yummy, and Penelope was so well behaved. I'm sure her nap on the way up had a lot to do with her good mood. :)  

We are still working on P's cry-it-out, self soothing at bedtime, and tonight she cried for 22 minutes. I hope she begins to cry for less time soon... It can't be nice crying (screaming at the top of her lungs) for so long. But, I know this parenting thing is going to be tough like this a lot. Thomas is the voice of reason, and tough-love when I just have a soft heart-- it works. 

I took some pics this morning, one at breakfast and one of P playing with her toys. The others are at brunch.

Goodnight!!

Day 128

What a fun day: breakfast at Sunny's, treasure hunting at the Orange Coast College flea market (where we got P a pool floatie), afternoon naps, and a walk to Fairview Park. We were BEAT by 8pm! I put Penelope down at 8:40 (late-- we took a long time walking) and she cried for 19 minutes. It's still very hard for Mama, but I have to be strong. :/

On our way home, we saw a fire truck and engine-- we knew it was called out to pluck a runaway parrot from a tree. The bird flew away before the firefighters could grab him. It was a pretty big production for a bird. :)  Good guys, Costa Mesa Fire Department!

Goodnight :)

Day 127

Long, but fun day.... Penelope and I went to LA again to see my parents, who will be 3000 miles away in less than a week. :'( 

We decided to go after I realized I was feeling much better this morning. It was fun to help Mom shop, and we met up with Anita, Anabella and my Dad for lunch. After traffic, we came home and my baby only cried in her crib for 4 minutes!! I'm chalking it up to a long day, and missing a nap this afternoon. We'll see tomorrow! Daddy may be home if he's not hired for overtime... We're hoping to see him, and miss him when he's at work. 

Pic is of my baby at lunch! Also, I got a pic of her with my Mom at the alley downtown-- a place where you can find discounted clothing, accessories and other things. 

Goodnight :)

Day 126

Mama wasn't feeling so hot today-- very tired and a little achy. :/  I tried to keep up with Daddy, but he was super busy today. No dice! Mama took a nice long nap while Mana & P were on their walk, and that really helped. Daddy took her on another walk this evening, so I had some down time today. I just hope tomorrow I have more energy for my baby girl!

By the way, night three of bedtime cry it out-- she cried for 21 minutes tonight, and now she asleep. I hope she stays asleep tonight, last night she was up a few times. :/

Goodnight.

Day 125

Well, today was a nice day at home, just us three. Daddy was home early, and we just hung out together-- well, between Mama & Daddy's dentist appointments! Early, Papa was tired, so he kinda fell asleep on the rug while Penelope played around him. Verrrrry cute! Later, whileI was at my dentist's appointment, Papa & P played outside on the front lawn-- they always have fun together! Finally, Papa made calzones for dinner, and then we had an evening walk. 

This was a very plain-sounding day, but they are the kind that I love the most; I get to be with my awesome family and love them all day! I'm lucky. 

We are on day #3 of the bedtime cry it out's. It is really hard for me. Baby Penelope just isn't used to her Mama not coming when she cries, so it's taking her some time to get it. I'm currently listening to her cry, and although it's slowed down a LOT, it still twists my heart. :'(  All for the best, though.... And, dare I say it, she's quiet! Lets hope she stays asleep tonight. 

Goodnight!

Day 124

Biiiiig sigh... Day two of bedtime crying it out. Tough to listen to my baby cry. Like, really tough. I've always rocked, patted or just sat with her throughout bedtime-- no matter how long it took. We've cried together many a sleepless night, but I know now it's gotta stop. We have another baby on the way, and I won't have all kinds of spare time for my little Penelope. :(  It makes me sad on so many levels.... I know she and I will always be close, no matter what and I can't wait to tell her about how much she hated bedtime, when she's older. My Penelope... So, tonight I let her cry a full 30 minutes before going in her room to give her her binky. Well, I could tell she had poo in her diaper, so I had to get her up to change her. After I gave her the remainder of her last bottle, she was asleep in my arms. Oh, my poor baby was just soaked with tears, and her little face was all splotchy from wailing. Man! This stuff is not for sissies, let me tell ya! You've gotta have a heart of steel or of coal to stomach this kind of stuff! I'll keep trying with her, but I'll feel awful until she has it down. :/  I guess Daddy will be home tomorrow night, and we'll see if P does better. 

Oh! While we were at my parents' place today, Penelope waved hello to us after we waved to her!!! Our smart smart baby girl!!! She learns new things every day, almost. We're so proud of her. 

So, that's what's up at Casa Rindge today. We'll see Papa in the morning, and we love that! As for me tonight, I'll be hoping my baby has sweet dreams ALL NIGHT LONG! :)

Here's a pic of our baby today:

Day 123

What a nice day we had today! Daddy came home early from work (on time, just early in the morning), and we spent the day hanging out, and swimming. Well, Daddy & P swam, it's still too chilly for me! Penelope also had fun in her Johnny Jumper-- something I'm glad she likes, it gives her an opportunity to move her little legs! 

That's all for today! We are having a hard time putting Penelope to bed each night-- we're hoping tonight isn't another 2-hour ordeal. Fingers crossed.

Day 122

Penelope and I had a relaxing(ish) day at home today. I did get us out to do a little bit of shopping-- P got a new toy from Lakeshore Learning store! But, for the most part, we took it easy and I caught up on laundry. 

We'll have Papa home tomorrow and we plan on doing something fun outdoors since it'll be nice.

Oh, P also got some new shades ;)

Night!

Day 121

What another long day! Long, but fun. :)  We woke early (as per usual), got Penelope fed, bathed, changed and back down for her nap. I cleaned up a bit, and Holly & Lily stopped by! Lily had to practice some swimming exercises for an upcoming test, and she did well- she also few another few inches and got a cute new haircut. :)  Later, two old coworkers (and friends) came over to see Penelope; we grilled burgers and caught up... And Penelope just loves them! I think I have two new sitters in the making ;)

After Daddy came home, P & I went on a walk so he could get a nap. We met Mana, Holly & Lily for dinner at Souplantation. Yummy! Penelope behaved pretty well (meaning she didn't have a meltdown), and we made it home just in time for her to crash. Phew!!! It was a nonstop kind of day, and this Mama is ready for bed! 

Goodnight! :)

(The next day or two are certainly going to be low key that's for sure!!)

Day 120

Long. Day. And tomorrow is probably going to be another one. We went to LA today and stayed pretty late, got home around 8! We encountered a little sleep suit problem, but everything is okay now, thankfully. Penelope had fun with her grandparents, aunt and cousin today. Mama is tired, and must try to recharge for tomorrow. 

Good. Night.

Day 119

Ahhh, it's bedtime again....... (I just had to go to a crying Penelope, who has only been asleep 45 minutes and now she's WIDE awake.) I thought she was down for the night, I guess the joke is on me. :/ She has gone from sleeping so well to needing hours to really get to sleep. (Ha! She's rubbing her eyes, I knew she was tired!)

Today Mana watched P while Mommy & Daddy went to the beach. We read and took a short nap-- it was great! :)  I will say, though, it's never truly relaxing when you know your baby may be crying at home. I guess it'll take time to get used to! 

Dinner was stir fry - great job, Chef T! And after, we made a small bonfire in the backyard and watched Penelope play on the outside bed. She looks like she's almost ready to crawl! 

Gotta run, baby is sleepy, can't miss this window! Night!

Day 118

Today was another nice, cool day. :) Daddy was home in the afternoon, and we took a little trip to a different park-- one that we had to drive to. It was cute, we took Penelope on the swings, and Papa helped her down the slide, she was having fun! We took lots of pics today of P just playing, too. 

Oh, and she is sleeping better, I'm happy to say-- she still wakes up to eat once, but I'm sure that'll end soon. We are currently working on P having her pacifier less: only at nap time and bedtime. So far so good! Her falling asleep on her own-- not so good. But, we have time... November, to be exact. ;)

We have Daddy to ourselves tomorrow, and then he's gone for three days :'(. We plan on having a little Mommy/Daddy only time tomorrow with Mana's help! We are excited :)

Pizza time now, then bed-- goodnight!